Jackson metro help? (Clinton, Pearl, Ridgeland: real estate, crime rate, home)

[jamibc]

Hi all..... please help?! Looks like hubby's job search is gonna land us in the Jackson area. We're from Louisiana & have lived all over the South, so familiar w/ the "normal" statistics. What I need is the inside scoop!

From the research I've done so far, looks like Madison will be the best home spot, because of the schools (have a middle schooler & a gonna-be-in-elementary soon)..... any insight on the schools there, specifically? What about areas, neighborhoods, churches, etc.? Want to really put down roots & we're a friendly, outgoing family that bathes every Saturday whether we need it or not (just jokin'! ). In other words, a sense of community & the ability to make buddies is very important to all of us - not snobs at all. Also, is there any other wisdom/info that you'd care to share regarding the area will be tremendously appreciated!

Thanks y'all!!

[SashaBlue]

Ridgeland/Madison is the best. Ridgeland is a bit cheaper housing wise, but not by much. The schools in both cities are excellent, but Madison has the edge with Madison Station and Madison Avenue schools. Churches are abundant and offer whatever denomination you are looking for. You will very much enjoy living in this community. Word to the wise-- stay out of Jackson. The crime is horrific. Watch for falling bullets when you drive through Jackson; we have encounted 3 falling bullets in broad daylight within the last year. Good luck!

[Phil75230]

jamibc,

I know this depends on your mentality, but you might also want to look at North Rankin. Real estate is somewhat cheaper there, there's more tall green pine trees that refresh the winter blues, and (might offend some on this board, but) the area isn't quite as pretentious as the CITY of Madison. Even many people in Ridgeland (the suburb between Madison and Jackson) are known to resent Madison on this account. I know a lot of nice people in Madison, but I'm just saying....

Schools: NW Rankin HS is pretty good. That area's school district is growing as well, even if not quite as upscale as Madison. In fact, I'd say the school's there are the best education for the dollar (but that's just my opinioin. Ultimately, it depends on what you really want for your family and you.

[jamibc]

Thanks Sasha & Blue! Northwest Rankin.... what community is that? I thought test-score-wise that Madison was best on schools.... is that not the case? Learned from living in my home community that a lot of schools will be close on the test scores, but you'll get a different "feel" from all the schools, ya know? Really prefer the friendly, outgoing communities, where people get to know each other w/o being too intrusive... the kids all play together, etc. Also still debating on schools. Madison Middle seems to be the best choice, w/ Madison Lower & Upper as elem. choices - any input?

[auntbee]

The Northwest Rankin schools are excellent schools. You would need to look in the Reservoir area for that school district. There are a lot of nice subdivisions around there too.

[SashaBlue]

Before you settle on the Brandon area, please check out NW Rankin schools very close. My husband owns a business and refuses to do work for them because of bad experiences with the high school. The kids are rude, drugs are rampant and there are many goths. As a matter of fact, goth is the trend. I work with a lady who pulled her kids from NWR because of the drugs and they now attend McLaurin. I agree with the comments about Madison, the people are more pretentious that the folks in Rankin County. However, you can choose between pretentious neighbors and excellent schools or excellent neighbors and so-so schools. Ridgeland could be your best choice. The folks are not as pretentious and the schools are very good. It's a happy medium. Also keep in mind that Brandon/Pearls gets hammered with rain, hail and tornados. If a storm comes through the area, it's Rankin County that gets hit the worst. It's just how the storm system flows across the state.

[auntbee]

I know a lot of kids who go to Northwest Rankin, including some in my own family. I haven't seen any "goths", but I'm not saying there aren't a few there. There are probably drugs in every school in the state, but it certainly isn't a major problem at Northwest Rankin. My advice is pay a visit and check out the schools before you decide where to live.

[Philipgb]

Originally Posted by jamibc

Hi all..... please help?! Looks like hubby's job search is gonna land us in the Jackson area. We're from Louisiana & have lived all over the South, so familiar w/ the "normal" statistics. What I need is the inside scoop!

From the research I've done so far, looks like Madison will be the best home spot, because of the schools (have a middle schooler & a gonna-be-in-elementary soon)..... any insight on the schools there, specifically? What about areas, neighborhoods, churches, etc.? Want to really put down roots & we're a friendly, outgoing family that bathes every Saturday whether we need it or not (just jokin'! ). In other words, a sense of community & the ability to make buddies is very important to all of us - not snobs at all. Also, is there any other wisdom/info that you'd care to share regarding the area will be tremendously appreciated!

Thanks y'all!!

Clinton is an excellent place to relocate. Do some research and you'll find the schools can't be beat. New atheletic facilities everywhere. Quiet hometown feel with slow pace. Close to resavoir area(boating, rests, ent, malls, etc.).
Lowest crime rate in state or close to it.
PGB